Control of nuclear materials

The Canadian Atomic Energy Control Board was set up in 1946 to control the development and use of nuclear energy in Canada and to enable Canada to participate in international control measures. Canada has been a member of the IAEA since it was established in 1957. The objectives of the IAEA are to promote the peacful use of atomic energy and to guard against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which came into effect in 1970, commits signatory nations to four undertakings: the cessation of the nuclear amrs race, the application of IAEA safeguards on peaceful nuclear activities, international cooperation in developing nuclear energy, and sharing of the benefits of peaceful nuclear explosions. Since not all industrialized nations have signed the NPT, Canada is particularly careful when exporting nuclear materials and reactors that safeguards will be applied. (L.L.)